A scenic small town along the banks of the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, New Hope offers plenty of things to do and see, as well as charming bed-and-breakfasts for extended stays. Historical attractions included Parry Mansion, the former home of one of New Hope's founders, and the Bucks County Playhouse, which has hosted stars such as Grace Kelly and Dick Van Dyke. Travelers can also explore the area’s many trails, dine at one of the riverfront restaurants, and go window shopping along Main Street.
The best time to visit New Hope is from the end of April through October. This is when you’ll experience the most pleasant and warmest weather. Pennsylvania winters are typically cold and snowy, making it more challenging to explore the outdoors. New Hope also celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with its annual Pride Week and Parade, held each May throughout the downtown area, while the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival takes place in September.
New Hope is a little more than an hour’s drive from New York City and about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia. A commuter rail line operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) travels from Philadelphia to nearby Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Trans-Bridge Lines operates a bus route from Port Authority in New York City to New Hope. The town is considered very walkable, including the bridge connecting Lambertville and New Hope.
Around the turn of the 20th century, artists flocked to this industrial town, spawning an art movement called Pennsylvania Impressionism. The area’s rolling hills, rivers, and canals inspired the landscape painters that came here. Today, Main Street is lined with art galleries, and travelers and creatives alike still head to New Hope to support its arts community.
Just south of New Hope, you’ll find Washington Crossing Historic Park, which marks the Revolutionary War site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River. Each December, people gather on the banks of the river to watch a reenactment of the 1776 Christmas night crossing.
